Corzine expected to extend takeover of Camden government

Gov. Jon S. Corzine was scheduled to visit Camden Sunday morning to sign a bill extending a state takeover of the troubled city's government, according to a senior Corzine administration official.

The purpose of the visit was initially reported by the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill, which said the new law would extend New Jersey's takeover of Camden for another five years.

Theodore Z. Davis

The official, who spoke anonymously to avoid upstaging the event, confirmed that Corzine will also formally appoint Theodore Z. Davis, a retired judge, to run city government as chief operating officer, a post Davis has been holding on an interim basis since January.

The event, following a morning service at Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, will also include Davis announcing an agreement with city police to amend their union contract to get more officers on the streets during times when crime is at its highest, the Corzine official said.

Since 2002, the state has been paying for major infrastructure upgrades and subsidizing major expansions of Camden's hospitals and universities.

As part of the law, the state also took over many of the powers of the local government and school board, including creating the job of chief operating officer.

Before Davis, the chief operating officer post was held by Randy Primas, who resigned amid arguments with state officials who wanted more control over Camden's hiring and spending.